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- A Message from Jerrianne Anthony, Director of MOHS
- MOHS' Emergency Response Plan
- Updates on COVID-19 & Resources
- Ways to Support Individuals & Families Experiencing Homelessness
- Q & A
- Provider Spotlight
- Announcements
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A Message from Jerrianne Anthony
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Dear community partners,
First, let me say that I hope all of you and your families are staying safe and healthy despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 health crisis. While the events of the past month have brought a lot of uncertainty, they remind us that as a community, we all have an obligation to look out for one another. You have been doing more than that. You have put in long days — and long nights to make sweeping change in almost every
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area of your organizations and have extended services to accommodate the most vulnerable members of our community.
I’m heartened by your dedication to service and couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Baltimore City homeless services community. I’m also inspired by the decency, humility, and kindness with which your response to COVID-19 has been undertaken so far. Please accept my deepest thanks.
Given the significant changes in the homeless services field as a result of the pandemic, MOHS is committed to assisting its partners as they continue to navigate through this difficult transition. Undoubtedly, there is much work to do, but both our progress and success will depend on our collaborative efforts.
The experience of every member of our community matters, so we must continue to believe in our mission and find new ways to deliver on our promises. Like you, we have had to face some changes when trying to adjust to this new reality. Hence, we have been listening to community members and working with partners and health officials as part of our efforts to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. A summary of our response to COVID-19 is available here. If you wish to learn more about MOHS’ response, please visit our website for detailed information.
These are just a few of the many actions we ought to mobilize as quickly as possible to protect the people we serve, and I am confident that we will meet this challenge by working together and looking out for one another.
Thank you for all that you do.
With appreciation,
Jerrianne Anthony
Director, Mayor's Office of Homeless Services
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MOHS' Emergency Response Plan
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The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan to mitigate risk for individuals experiencing homelessness. MOHS, in partnership with homeless service providers and public and private agencies, will implement a range of prevention and response strategies to support individuals who are at particularly high risk of contracting communicable diseases and unable to self-isolate at home. Click here to learn more about the plan and current interventions.
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Updates on COVID-19 & Resources
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As of today, 774 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the State of Maryland, including 88 individual in Baltimore City. The State of Maryland coronavirus tracking map is available here and is updated throughout the day as additional details on cases are released by individual counties. Below is a list of important resources for homeless service providers and the Baltimore City Community. Please note that this is a rapidly evolving issue and information presented here is current as of March 27, 2020, and may be updated as community planning and needs evolve.
Recommendations and Guidance
Communications Materials
Additional resources are available on the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services' COVID Webpage. For the latest developments on COVID‑19, visit the newly launched Baltimore City Health Department's Coronavirus Website.
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Donate and help spread the word
- Make a monetary donation HERE or Text “JourneyHome” to 50155 to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City during COVID-19
- Share these informational flyers with your network
- Use this Social Media Toolkit to spread the word about the donation campaign
- People interested in donating resources can send an email to jessi.stevens@baltimorecity.gov
Items that are currently needed include the following:
- Mobile hand-washing stations
- Water (cases of bottled water and gallons)
- Hand Soap (gallons and personal bottles)
- Non-perishable food and snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Socks
- First aid kits
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Antibacterial wipes
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Gloves
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If you are a provider and you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or MOHS' Plan, please submit them through this form. An FAQ document is forthcoming.
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Saint Vincent De Paul KidzTable
A HUGE SHOUT-OUT to St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s KidzTable. During this time of extreme strife and uncertainty, St Vincent de Paul of Baltimore has continued to be dedicated to the safety, health, and well-being of its staff and those of the people it serves. Below are some of the actions taken by KidzTable as a result of COVID-19:
- KidzTable central community kitchen continues to provide healthy food access by producing and delivering 3,000 boxed meals and 800 hot meals a day throughout the region to individuals and families at shelters, other congregate care facilities, recreation sites, and Police Athletic Leagues.
- KidzTable added five temporary staff members this week who recently graduated from the Next Course program to elevate its response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and will continue to operate seven days a week.
How can you support the work of Kidztable?
We want to hear about the wonderful work that our partners and service providers are all doing at the moment. We will be reaching out to our partners soon to solicit stories, highlights, and updates on their responses to COVID-19.
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Immediate Impact Grants For Organizations Serving Individuals Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Health Crisis.
Unrestricted Grants of $25,000-$50,000
Application Deadline: 5 p.m. CT on March 30, 2020
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Who Is Eligible?
Only non-governmental related entities—501(c)(3) organizations—meeting the health needs of people experiencing homelessness in Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and the District of Columbia are eligible. Preference will be given to organizations receiving 330h funding and medical respite care programs.
What Is The Application Process?
Eligible organization must submit an application through the Council's online form. Each organization should submit only one application. Word limits will be strictly enforced. Learn more
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Accessing DSS Public Benefits During COVID-19 (information current as of 3/26/20)
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This document provides important information and updates on service modifications at the Department of Social Services and access to public benefits during COVID-19. Individuals may call the Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) for free legal information.
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Revised Food Distribution Map
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Ensuring residents' access to food during this time- and at all times is a priority for Baltimore City. Click here for a revised food distribution map that will allow you to find a food distribution site near you. Grab-n-go meals are available.
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Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), and the local authorities such as the Baltimore City Health Department and Maryland Department of Health. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online.
For the latest information and resources about COVID-19, please consult the following resources:
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